U4GM - How to Build Around PoE 2’s Crit and DoT Damage for Hybrid Builds
Path of Exile 2 (PoE 2) introduces new mechanics and an expanded skill set, allowing players to experiment with hybrid builds that leverage both Crit and Damage over Time (DoT) effects. These builds offer a unique playstyle, combining the precision of critical hits with the steady power of DoT mechanics to provide a versatile approach to combat. If you’re looking to build a character that capitalizes on both Crit and DoT in PoE 2, here’s a guide on how to effectively integrate these two damage types.
Understanding Crit and DoT in PoE 2
To build a hybrid Crit and DoT build, it’s essential to first understand how these mechanics work individually.
Critical Strike (Crit): Crits in PoE 2 are triggered when a skill or attack hits an enemy with a higher chance of dealing double damage, depending on your critical strike chance and modifiers. Crit builds focus on maximizing this chance to ensure devastating damage spikes.
Damage over Time (DoT): DoT effects occur when you apply status ailments like poison, burning, or bleeding. These effects deal continuous damage over time, which does not depend on hitting an enemy again but is based on the strength of the effect applied.
Building Around Both Crit and DoT
Creating a hybrid build that combines Crit and DoT damage in PoE 2 requires finding synergies between these two damage types. Below are some key points to help you maximize your build’s effectiveness.
1. Choose the Right Skills
The foundation of any hybrid Crit and DoT build is the skill you use. Look for abilities that can scale both Crit damage and DoT damage effectively. For instance, Poison builds with critical scaling or Ignite builds that benefit from critical hits can combine instant burst damage with steady DoT effects.
Poison: Skills like Viper Strike or Essence Drain can benefit from increased Crit chance and DoT effects, letting you deal massive poison damage while keeping enemies poisoned over time.
Ignite: Skills like Fireball or Flameblast are ideal for combining high Crit chance with Ignite damage. When coupled with Ignite scaling nodes, the damage over time effect becomes significantly amplified.
2. Scaling Crit and DoT
Hybrid builds rely on scaling both Crit and DoT damage, so your gear, passive tree, and jewels should enhance both attributes. Key considerations include:
Crit Multiplier: Look for Crit multipliers to increase the damage output of your critical hits. These can be found on weapons, rings, and passive tree nodes.
DoT Damage: Items and passives that scale DoT damage are crucial. For instance, you’ll want to look for DoT damage modifiers that specifically enhance poison, bleed, or ignite effects.
Base Damage: Crit builds often focus on scaling raw base damage to increase the chances of a significant hit. DoT builds, however, need the base damage to be supplemented by the strength of the DoT effect.
3. Select the Right Ascendancy and Passive Tree
In PoE 2, ascendancies offer significant boosts to either Crit or DoT effects. To successfully build a hybrid, you’ll need an ascendancy that can support both. Consider the following:
Assassin Ascendancy: The Assassin excels in scaling Crit and poison damage. This makes it an excellent choice for hybrid builds that aim to take advantage of both critical strikes and poison DoT effects.
Elementalist Ascendancy: If you’re focusing on elemental DoTs like Ignite, the Elementalist offers great synergy with Crit scaling, making it another strong choice for hybrid builds.
On the passive tree, focus on nodes that grant Crit chance, Crit multiplier, DoT damage, and poison/ignite scaling. Balancing these can be tricky, but with careful planning, you can create a build that balances both forms of damage.
4. Gear and Jewels for Synergy
Gear selection is crucial for hybrid builds, and you should prioritize items that complement both Crit and DoT scaling. Consider the following:
Weapons: Look for weapons with high base damage, Crit chance, and Crit multiplier. Items that increase DoT damage are also helpful, especially for skills that apply ailments.
Rings and Amulets: Items with Crit chance, Crit multiplier, and DoT damage mods are highly valuable. Amulets that boost both Crit and DoT effects, like those with increased poison damage or ignite damage, should be prioritized.
Jewels: Jewels that provide extra Crit chance, Crit multiplier, or DoT scaling should be added to your build. You can also consider jewels with specific DoT mods like “Increased Damage over Time” or “Increased Poison Damage.”
It’s essential to balance your damage types across your gear to ensure your build is optimized for both Crit and DoT. You may need to invest PoE 2 currency to acquire high-tier gear and jewels that cater to your needs.
5. Managing Playstyle and Survivability
Hybrid builds require careful management during combat since you’re relying on both burst damage (Crit) and sustained damage (DoT). Keep the following in mind:
Positioning and Skill Timing: In most cases, you’ll need to manage your critical strike chance carefully. Use your burst damage to apply status ailments and then let your DoT effects take care of the rest.
Defensive Layers: Because hybrid builds can be glass cannons, investing in survivability is critical. Consider adding layers of defense such as evasion, energy shield, or life regeneration to keep your character alive during the prolonged fights.
Building a hybrid Crit and DoT damage build in PoE 2 is a fun and powerful approach to combat. With careful planning, you can take advantage of both immediate burst damage from critical hits and sustained damage from DoT effects. Focusing on the right skills, scaling both Crit and DoT damage, and balancing your gear and ascendancy choices are key to mastering this playstyle. As you progress, you’ll refine your strategy and become a true force in PoE 2’s world.
Remember that hybrid builds often require a thoughtful investment of PoE 2 currency to acquire the perfect items and gear. With the right resources and build choices, you’ll be well on your way to dominating the battlefield!